South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) has now supported efforts to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law, which triggered a political crisis and widespread public outrage, CNN reported on Thursday.
The decision came shortly before Yoon gave a defiant speech in which he defended his actions and refused to resign, despite growing calls for his departure from all sides. This followed an impeachment motion submitted on Thursday afternoon by the main opposition Democratic Party, along with five other smaller parties.
The vote on the impeachment will take place on Saturday, and for the motion to pass, it requires the support of eight members from the ruling PPP to reach the two-thirds majority needed, as reported by Al Jazeera. Initially, the PPP had urged Yoon to step down voluntarily to avoid impeachment, but party leadership admitted that their efforts had failed, CNN reported.
“We tried to find a better way than impeachment, but that other way is invalid,” said the party’s leader, Han Dong-hoon, as quoted by CNN. “Suspending the president from his duties through impeachment is the only way, for now, to defend democracy and the republic,” he added.
Must Read: G7 Leaders Extended Support For Syria’s Political Transition
Last weekend, Yoon survived a previous impeachment attempt after PPP lawmakers abstained from the vote. However, with the PPP now backing impeachment, Han stated that party members could vote based on their personal convictions, expressing confidence they would act in the nation’s interest. “I believe our party members will vote for the country and the people,” he said, as quoted by CNN.
Yoon’s martial law declaration, made on December 3, accused the opposition of “anti-state activities,” sympathizing with North Korea, and obstructing legislation and budgets. The unexpected midnight announcement, which was quickly blocked by lawmakers, shocked the nation, which still remembers the painful legacy of military dictatorship and martial law in the 1980s.
In the wake of Yoon’s declaration, protests erupted, with public figures and activists demanding his resignation or impeachment. Support for the president within his own party and even the military has faltered. Police have launched an investigation into Yoon and other officials on charges of treason, while a special counsel has been appointed to investigate whether Yoon abused his power by imposing martial law. Yoon has also been barred from leaving the country, CNN reported.
The PPP’s shift in stance on Thursday significantly increases the pressure on Yoon, making it more likely that the upcoming impeachment attempt will succeed. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, police raided the presidential office as part of the investigation, and several officials close to Yoon have been reprimanded for their roles in the incident, according to a presidential security official, as reported by CNN.
Last week, former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who recommended the martial law move, was detained after resigning from his post. Kim later attempted suicide while in custody.
Also Read: Brazilian President Lula Health: Second Brain Procedure Successful Recovery Reported Positive
